The Spartans can clinch a share of the Legends with a win and perhaps move into the BCS at-large conversation. The Cornhuskers, however, have a favorable schedule to end the season and could make a return trip to Indianapolis by holding serve at home.

In 2012, Nebraska beat Michigan State 28-24 after a five-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Martinez to Jamal Turner with five seconds left.

It should be that kind of tight game again. Let's go inside the numbers to see who has an advantage:

Series

You'll hear this one a few times in the pregame: Nebraska is 7-0 all time against Michigan State. The teams first met in 1914, and last year's thriller was the first one-score game between the two schools.

Marquee matchups

Ironically, Bo Pelini's first win as a coach came in the 2003 Alamo Bowl against the Spartans. Pelini, serving as interim coach for Frank Solich, guided Nebraska to a 17-3 win. Cody Ross had two touchdown runs, and the Cornhuskers intercepted Jeff Smoker three times.

Signature game: No. 13 Nebraska 24, No. 9 Michigan State 3

Michigan State's last visit to Lincoln is the only matchup where both teams were ranked. The Spartans ran out of gas after beating Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin the previous three weeks. Rex Burkhead rushed for three TDs, and the Cornhuskers' defense limited Kirk Cousins to just 86 yards passing. The Spartans still managed to win the Legends Division that season.

Mark Dantonio vs. unranked teams

Mark Dantonio takes care of business on the road against unranked teams. He's 18-6 in that situation and has won nine in a row.

Bo Pelini at home

Pelini is 35-7 at home in his tenure at Nebraska, and that includes a 9-1 record in Big Ten play. The Cornhuskers also are 4-2 at home against ranked opponents under Pelini.

Key matchup: Ameer Abdullah vs. Michigan State LBs

Abdullah ranks sixth in the nation with 134.8 rushing yards per game, and he had 110 of Nebraska's 313 rushing yards against Michigan State last season, the most rushing yards allowed in the Dantonio era. The Spartans' top-ranked run defense — anchored by standout linebackers Max Bullough and Denicos Allen — allows just 1.6 yards per carry.

Key matchup: Michigan State WRs vs. Nebraska CBs

The Spartans have seen overall improvement at wide receiver, most notably from Bennie Fowler, who has scored a TD in four consecutive games. Nebraska cornerbacks Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Ciante Evans combined for seven interceptions in non-conference play but have none in Big Ten games. Look for either cornerback to try to jump a crossing route early.

On the spot: Nebraska quarterbacks

Taylor Martinez had 160 passing yards, 205 rushing yards and four total TDs against the Spartans last season. Tommy Armstrong and Ron Kellogg don't have to be that good, but they can't make the big mistake against a Michigan State defense that has five defensive TDs. That means staying away from All-American candidate and stud cornerback Darqueze Dennard and taking advantage of running opportunities.

On the spot: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Nebraska did have some success with the option against Michigan last week, and it will be interesting to see how much Cornhuskers offensive coordinator Tim Beck tests the edge with Calhoun, who has emerged as one of the nation's top defensive ends.

Stat that matters: Completion percentage

We mentioned Cousins' rough outing in 2011, but Andrew Maxwell wasn't much better in 2012. In those two losses, Michigan State quarterbacks were 20-of-54 (37 percent) for 209 yards. Connor Cook owns a 59.1 completion percentage. He needs to stay in that range.

Stat that matters: Tackles for loss

Perhaps this stat best defines Michigan State's dominant defense. Not counting incompletions, the Spartans get a tackle for a loss on 15.9 percent of their opponents' plays. That's incredible. Calhoun and Allen have 11 tackles for a loss apiece. Nebraska won't totally avoid negative plays, but they have to limit them.

Bottom line

It comes down to whether or not Nebraska makes the most of the few red-zone opportunities they get. Michigan State has allowed just 17 trips to the red zone, but 13 of those resulted in scores (nine TDs, four field goals). Playing at home helps, and history is on Nebraska's side. That still won't be enough, however, as the Spartans grind out a field-goal victory on the road.